Studer Community Institute

Maygarden takes over chamber foundation

October 24, 2014
/ Staff Reports
/ entrecon

Jerry Maygarden, the president and CEO of the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, has been tapped to lead the Pensacola Chamber Foundation. The chamber’s Board of Directors this week announced that Maygarden would be in charge of the nonprofit entity. Maygarden, who has been in charge of day-to-day operations of the chamber since October 2013, is credited for several initiatives during his tenure. Under Maygarden’s helm, the Greater Pensacola Chamber became a private organization and restructured operations, separating from Visit Pensacola, which was the chamber’s tourism arm for 25 years. Maygarden also helped establish a separate economic development agency that could continue to work with regional government partners to create jobs and help bring economic prosperity to the region. "Even though Jerry was originally supposed to be with us for a short period of time, his energy and passion have transformed our organization to be more independent, leaner and efficient," said Carol Carlan, chair of the Greater Pensacola Chamber Board of Directors. "Because of the wonderful job Jerry has done with our chamber, we are now asking him to transfer his experience and skills over to the foundation, which will in turn allow us to continue to move our region in a positive direction." In his new role, Maygarden will be working closely with the chamber's Board of Directors as a consultant and will assist with the recruitment of a new president. He has agreed to remain with the chamber until a new leader is selected. The Pensacola Chamber Foundation, which announced a new board of directors earlier this year, aims to increase economic development and enhance the quality of life in the Pensacola area by taking a long-term, strategic approach to regional growth and community building. The foundation currently oversees several of the chamber's signature programs and initiatives, including Leadership Pensacola, the PACE Awards and Vision 2015, a five-year plan for job creation that met its goal of creating 3,000 high-wage jobs two years earlier than promised. "Jerry's exemplary leadership and dedication is exactly what our foundation needs," said Foundation President Jim Mathis. "His willingness to serve when called upon reflects his everlasting commitment to our community and exemplifies the true meaning of public service." A former mayor of the City of Pensacola, Maygarden previously served as the chief executive officer for the Baptist Health Care Foundation, as well as a senior administrator and chief development officer for the Baptist Medical System.

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Maygarden takes over chamber foundation

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